The Prophet, a Shawnee, was born in 1775 and raised by his
sister. He was the brother of the famous chief, Tecumseh,
and generally lacked the skills of his brothers and sisters.
He tried to be a medicine man but failed at that as well.
He became dependent upon alcohol.
In 1805, he fell into a deep trance.
His family thought he was dead and got ready for his funeral.
He regained consciousness
and claimed he had been visited by the primary God of the
Shawnee. He said he was told that the Native peoples must
give up all white customs and products. If they did this,
the white settlers would be driven away. The Natives would
have an "open door" to heaven. This is how he got
the name Prophet.
While Tecumseh was away trying to consolidate Indian troops,
Prophet and his soldiers attacked the troops of William Henry
Harrison in 1811. The American army defeated the Indians.
This battle became known as The Battle of Tippecanoe.
The Prophet encouraged Natives to join the British in the
War of 1812. He moved to Canada and retired on a British
pension. He returned to Ohio in 1826 and went with his people
to Kansas, where he died.
Resources
Prophet Ohio History Central
http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=312
Shawnee Prophet
http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/people/A0844763.html
Shawnee Prophet
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0844763.html
